Alternating Series estimation theorem vs taylor remainder

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the estimation of the error in approximating the function sin(x) using its Taylor series and the Alternating Series Estimation Theorem. The user calculated the number of terms required for an error less than 1/120 using both the Alternating Series Test and Taylor's Remainder Theorem. The results indicated n=1 for the Alternating Series Test and n=4 for the Taylor's Remainder Theorem, leading to confusion regarding the discrepancy between the two methods. The key takeaway is that different estimation methods can yield varying results due to their inherent assumptions and error bounds.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Taylor series, specifically for sin(x) at a=0.
  • Familiarity with the Alternating Series Estimation Theorem.
  • Knowledge of Taylor's Remainder Theorem and its application.
  • Basic calculus concepts, including limits and factorial notation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and application of the Alternating Series Estimation Theorem.
  • Explore Taylor's Remainder Theorem in greater detail, focusing on its implications for error estimation.
  • Practice problems involving the approximation of functions using Taylor series.
  • Investigate the convergence properties of alternating series compared to non-alternating series.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in calculus, particularly those focusing on series approximations and error analysis in mathematical functions.

freshman2013
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Homework Statement



Let Tn(x) be the degree n polynomial of the function sin x at a=0. Suppose you approx f(x) by Tn(x) if abs(x)<=1, how many terms are need (what is n) to obtain an error less than 1/120

Homework Equations


Rn(x)=M(x-a)^(n+1)/(n+1)!

sin(x)=sum from 0 to ∞ of (-1)^n*x^(2n+1)/(2n+1)!

The Attempt at a Solution


For the alternating series test, I plugged in 1 for x in the sin x macluarin series and got 1/(2(n+1)+1)! <= 1/120 and got n=1
Then I used the Taylor's remainder theorem, got 1/(n+1)! <= 1/120 so n=4. why am I getting a different answer from Alternating series estimation theorem?
 
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freshman2013 said:

Homework Statement



Let Tn(x) be the degree n polynomial of the function sin x at a=0. Suppose you approx f(x) by Tn(x) if abs(x)<=1, how many terms are need (what is n) to obtain an error less than 1/120

Homework Equations


Rn(x)=M(x-a)^(n+1)/(n+1)!

sin(x)=sum from 0 to ∞ of (-1)^n*x^(2n+1)/(2n+1)!

The Attempt at a Solution


For the alternating series test, I plugged in 1 for x in the sin x macluarin series and got 1/(2(n+1)+1)! <= 1/120 and got n=1
Then I used the Taylor's remainder theorem, got 1/(n+1)! <= 1/120 so n=4. why am I getting a different answer from Alternating series estimation theorem?

Let's write out a few terms of the two series. The alternating series is$$
x -\frac{x^3} 3 +\frac {x^5} 5~...$$
The Taylor series is$$
0+x+0-\frac {x^3} 3 + 0 +\frac{x^5} 5~...$$Does that give you an idea?
 

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